Germany: Living with the Locals

This past weekend, Spencer and I journeyed to Bremen, Germany to visit our friend Felix. We met Felix this past summer through our friend Janice. Him and his family were so kind to let us stay with them for the weekend and show us Bremen through the eyes of a local. Amazingly, our flight was only 15 Pounds round trip, so it was a great deal for us to go.

Bremen Windmill

It was a beautiful train station

The Roland Statue

The first night we arrived, Felix and some of his friends took us for a night out, trying some Turkish food and stopping for some drinks down by the river. the next morning, we awoke to the smell of traditional German breakfast foods and got acquainted with Felix's family. That morning, as it was Sunday, Felix took us to a church he enjoys in Bremen that actually has English translators. It was such a great experience to be a part of a German church service. Some of the songs were actually in English too, which was nice for us. After a nice morning at church, Felix's mom took Spencer and I into town to get a nice tour of Bremen while Felix had to study for his big tests coming up that week. She was so wonderful, showing us all the wonderful parts of Bremen. I loved that town! It's not a big tourist destination, but I recommend it to anyone who travels through Germany. It has a very rich history without the overload of tourism, and it is full of friendly people, tasty food, and beautiful landscapes.

The Dom (church)

Awe inspiring stained glass, this one of Adam and Eve

Inside the church

The Schnoor district

We returned home that night to a tasty "Bremish" dinner that Felix's parents made for us. We had some of the best meat and potatoes I've ever had, along with some delicious red cabbage. Speaking of food, Germany is good at making it. I tried bratwursts, schnitzel, a pretzel, German chocolate, and (my favorite) Bremer Knippe, along with all the food Felix's family served us. The food was some of the best I've had in Europe.

Spencer with some bratwurst

Old fashioned German candy shop

One thing Bremen is most famous for is the story of "The Musicians," a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. In the story, 4 farm animals from Bremen were worried that because they were so old, the farmer would be getting rid of them soon. Therefore, they decided to run away together to try and begin a career as musicians. As they were traveling, they came across a house of thieves. Standing on top of each other to see into the window, the four began to "play their music" for the thieves inside. Thinking it was some witch or ghost outside, the thieves ran, leaving the house for the four musicians, who lived out the rest of their lives there. It was a fun little story, and there was a statue in the town center of the four musicians, which was fun to see.

The Musicians Statue

This trip was so different than those that I've been on before because it felt like a home away from home. It was so comforting to have a family styled dinner and a pseudo family here in Europe. It wasn't a cram-it-all-in whirlwind through a busy city, but it was a time to slow down and enjoy culture, food, history, and all that God has created in the German countryside.

On the train

Now I am back in Canterbury, currently sitting at Starbucks, looking out on the Cathedral towering over me as I enjoy the warmth of my peppermint mocha. It has been such a good day to recognize the blessings I have been given here. I have encountered so many interesting people and made some great friends so far here. My prayer today is that I continue to praise God for these blessings and see this not only as an adventure in Canterbury, but as an adventure in meeting God daily in new and interesting ways.